Mobile Unit Has Low-cost Mammogram

Women Can Get Quick, Less-expensive Test For Breast Cancer Next Week But Must Wait For Results.

May 2, 1992|By Robin Pollack Sentinel Correspondent

LEESBURG — Most women know that breast cancer is the leading cancer killer of American women. But some put off having mammograms to detect the disease because they can't afford the tests or don't have time to visit the doctor.

This week, local women can undergo the tests in a mobile screening unit at a reduced price and a quick pace.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Women's Center for Radiology of Orlando will offer mobile screenings in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, Leesburg. The tests, which can spot cancerous lumps in the breasts when the lumps are too small to be felt, cost $55 - at least half the price of having a mammogram at a doctor's office.

''Many women can't afford to pay $150 for a mammogram,'' said Gladys Northrup of the center. ''For those women, our tests are very affordable. And the tests take only a half-hour. That's good for women who can't find the time to leave work for a lengthy doctor's appointment.''

But some doctors say there is a downside to tests conducted by mobile units, including waiting several days to get the results.

Such a wait can be harrowing to women who are worried they may have a cancerous lump in a breast, said Dr. Michael Levine of the Lake Medical Imaging and Breast Center in Leesburg.

''An awful lot of women are as nervous about the results as they can be,'' Levine said. ''They don't have that appeasement of having an answer when they leave the mobile unit.''

Patients visiting Lake Medical Imaging are seen by a doctor and get the test results that day, Levine said. The test at the Leesburg facility costs $111, he said.

Northrup says the center's setup keeps costs down.

The Orlando center is able to offer low-cost tests because a doctor isn't present when the tests are given, Northrup said. A technician administers the tests, which are examined later by doctors at the Orlando office.

Test results are available five days later, and are mailed to the patient and her regular doctor, Northrup said.

Northrup said the unit is accredited by the American College of Radiology and workers give demonstrations of breast self-examinations. The center is Medicare-certified.

A woman must make an appointment to visit the mobile unit.

The unit is booked for Monday, but appointments are available for Tuesday, Northrup said. The unit will remain at the parking lot Wednesday if enough women request the service.

To schedule an appointment, call Northrup toll-free at (800) 367-1870.